Brown returns to roots with Markle concert

Thursday, August 22, 2013 7:43 AM

Singer-songwriter Jessie Brown will be performing at the Markle Wildcat Festival on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 8 p.m. Brown is a Markle native and describes her music as a cross between Americana and country. Photo provided.

It's fitting that Jessie Brown will be performing songs from her album "Take Me Home" when she takes the Markle Health & Rehabilitation Stage in Markle Park on Saturday, Aug. 24, during the Markle Wildcat Festival.

And it's because, for Brown, Markle is home.

"I learned how to ride my bike for the first time in Markle," says the singer-songwriter. "I was born in Bluffton. I lived in Markle until I was about 14 years old."

Brown describes her brand of music as a fusion of country and Americana. She has opened for Toby Keith and tours the nation.Though she loves traveling, Brown says she also likes venturing back down the beaten path.

"I'm always really pumped to go back someplace that I haven't been for a while... I like to see the development of the town," she says. "My first job ever was at the Markle Pool."

Brown started singing at the age of 3 with family members who were in a traveling southern gospel group."Music was definitely a huge part of my life growing up," she explains. "So, it's great to be able to do it as a career now."

Brown expects to see a lot of familiar faces before and after the concert on Saturday.

"I'm really looking forward to being back and seeing some faces that I haven't seen since I was there and recognizing everybody and catching up," she says.

The free concert starts at 8 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.For more information about Brown, visit her website, www.jessiebrownmusic.com.